World Lupus Day: Butterfly Wing Disease
Through an initiative of the World Lupus Federation , since May 10, 2004, international activities have been carried out for World Lupus Day. This organization has a strong presence and is a benchmark in the matter.
The goal of World Lupus Day is to reach out to governments and financial funding groups to support research on the disease. Let us remember that up to now, the pathology is studied and treated, but it has no cure.
The most common form of presentation is systemic lupus erythematosus, and it is much more common among women than men. It is estimated that 90% of the patients are female. And among them, African-Americans are a majority group.
The causes of lupus are not fully understood, although it is known to be an autoimmune disease. Symptom triggers have been identified, such as sunlight, some infections, and drugs.
The classic sign of a skin rash in the shape of butterfly wings on the face is related to sun exposure. Patients must be very careful with radiation and wear sunscreen almost constantly.
Symptoms of lupus and butterfly wings
World Lupus Day reminds the general population of the characteristic signs and symptoms of this disease. Its early identification does not lead to cure, but it improves chronic management to reduce acute attacks of it.
The sign of the butterfly wings is called, in technical terms, a malar rash. As if it were a dermal irritation, the skin of the nose and cheeks turns red, giving the impression of a drawing of a butterfly.
Although the location is not always that, it was the one that penetrated the most deeply into the collective unconscious about the disease. The truth is that the rash can be present on the limbs and on the trunk, too.
The other prevalent symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus is joint pain. This comes from arthritis that triggers the autoimmune reaction triggered within the body. The evolution of this arthritis is in acute attacks, with periods without pain and others very painful.
Finally, almost 90% of the patients report extreme fatigue. This symptom is difficult to measure objectively, and quality of life questionnaires are used for this. Many factors determine exhaustion, including joint pain and some insomnia associated with lupus.